(CNN) – Democrats on Tuesday ramped up their pressure on the Romney campaign over two new ads on the auto bailout, as each side sought to sway voters in the crucial battleground state of Ohio.

Spokespeople for Obama's re-election effort pointed to quotes from General Motors and Chrysler executives blasting Mitt Romney over a new round of ads that accuse the auto giants of shifting jobs overseas.FULL POST

(CNN) – A staunch Republican, and a top surrogate for Mitt Romney, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie crossed the aisle this week and praised President Barack Obama for his support and handling of the federal response

"This is much more important than any election, Piers. This is the livelihood of the people in my state," Christie said Tuesday on CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight." "When the president does things that deserve praise, I will give him praise. And when the president does things that deserve scorn, I'll give him scorn."

Washington (CNN) - The Obama campaign will begin advertising in Michigan later this week, a campaign aide confirmed to CNN. It is going up with ads beginning Thursday through Election Day.

This comes in light of continuing advertising in the state by the super PAC Restore Our Future, which is backing Mitt Romney. It has been up in Michigan for several weeks and just announced it is putting in $2.2 million there, as part of its final week buy.FULL POST

(CNN) – After canceling absentee voting in nine counties on Monday and Tuesday due to the impact of Superstorm Sandy, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell on Tuesday asked localities hurt by the storm to extend their absentee voting hours.

The absentee period is scheduled to end on Saturday, but the governor urged voters to check with local general registrar offices to find out how the hours have changed in their respective areas.FULL POST

CNN's GUT CHECK | for October 30, 2012 | 5 p.m.
– n. a pause to assess the state, progress or condition of the political news cycle

ONE WEEK UNTIL ELECTION DAY

BREAKING:EARLY VOTING SHOWS DEMOCRATS UP IN NEVADA, GOP UP IN COLORADO… Early voting turnout numbers released Tuesday in two western battleground states show mixed results one week before Election Day. In Nevada, more Democrats have cast their ballots already, while more Republicans have done the same in Colorado, according to the official numbers. – Ashley Killough MAP

CNN's GUT CHECK | for October 30, 2012 | 5 p.m.
– n. a pause to assess the state, progress or condition of the political news cycle

ONE WEEK UNTIL ELECTION DAY

BREAKING:EARLY VOTING SHOWS DEMOCRATS UP IN NEVADA, GOP UP IN COLORADO… Early voting turnout numbers released Tuesday in two western battleground states show mixed results one week before Election Day. In Nevada, more Democrats have cast their ballots already, while more Republicans have done the same in Colorado, according to the official numbers. – Ashley Killough MAP

Washington (CNN) – Superstorm Sandy's ability to wreak havoc on the most populated parts of the country this week has pointed out a noticeable gap in the 2012 presidential election - how little the candidates have focused on climate change, the environment and other under-covered issues.

"With flooding in NYC and 3 feet of snow in W VA, isn't it time for candidates to address climate change and extreme weather," tweeted Darrell West, a director at the Brookings Institution, a public policy think tank.